One Memorable Day in Japan

Pia V. S. Hurst
Baldwin Senior High School
Long Island, New York

I had many memorable experiences in Japan, but the one that I think I will never forget is the brief time I spent with my Japanese friends on the way to commute home.

It was a windy but sunny day. This was quite a relief from the rainy weather we had been receiving lately. We had stayed late that day to participate in a Tea Ceremony at the school. It was a surprise that Nozomi, my host student, had arranged with her friends to walk to the station together with us. While walking, we immediately began to talk and talk endlessly. We soon discovered that we actually had many things in common. They were all so kind and open to me. They talked to me as if we had known each other for years. Every little thing made them giggle. They gave you a light-hearted feeling. As we walked we passed many Pachinkos and laughed about ever going in there.

We had gotten to the station early, so one of us had a brilliant idea of taking a group picture in a photo booth! We decided to go to an arcade and to find the booth. It was very funny trying to fit five girls in a small booth to take a picture. We each contributed to the cost and took the pictures. We then had a few seconds to add drawings and writing to the pictures. It was so nice to see one of the girls writes “friends” in Japanese and English. At that moment, I couldn’t help feeling so much a part of their group.

As we parted to take our trains, I realized, no matter how different we looked, we were all very similar deep in heart. Though we did not speak the same language, we still found a way to communicate and laugh together.

This may seem very insignificant compared to other events during the trip, but it was the first time I didn’t feel like a foreigner. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget.